Here’s my honest review of the best luggage for European travel, based on 15+ years of globe-trotting. Having the right suitcase can make or break your trip. So, I’ve decided to share my personal experiences, while also highlighting top-rated options popular among fellow travelers.
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Best Luggage for European Travel: My Honest Review
My thoughts on the best suitcase for Europe
As someone who has spent over 15 years traveling across Spain and Europe, I’ve learned that having the right luggage is a big deal. Over the years, I’ve tested a range of suitcases, from hard-shell models to expandable soft-side cases.
Let’s start with my own suitcase collection and the brands I’ve been using for years. For most of my European trips, I prefer a medium checked size suitcase from TravelPro. Unless I’m planning a three-week trip, having a bulky suitcase can be a hassle in many parts of Europe, especially in small Mediterranean towns where the streets are narrow, and cobblestone roads can be challenging to navigate.
Plus, for example, in Spain, trains have limited storage space at the entrance, which is often full, so you may end up having to store your large suitcase above your seat. Depending on the weight, this can be tricky. I always worry the suitcase might slide and fall, though, to be fair, that has never happened! These small inconveniences have helped me streamline my list of travel essentials.
However, the exception is when I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise or staying at a resort, where navigating with a bulky suitcase is a one-time thing. For longer European itineraries with several city stops, I either opt for a medium-sized suitcase or plan my route so I can store my bulky suitcase somewhere (like, Radical Storage), allowing me to move around with a medium or even a carry-on.
How to choose the best luggage for European travel
When choosing your suitcase, think about the length of your trip, the type of travel you’ll be doing, and whether you prefer a soft or hard case. Expandability and smooth wheels make a world of difference when you’re hopping between European cities (or buy lots of local souvenirs!) When choosing the best suitcase for European travel, there are several important tips and features to consider. Here’s a quick list to help you make the best choice:
1. Size and Weight Restrictions
- Airline Limits: European airlines often have strict size and weight policy, especially budget carriers. If traveling with a carry-on always double-check each airline.
- Compact Size: Opt for a suitcase that fits easily in small cars, narrow trains, and cobblestone streets, which Europe is known for.
2. Durability
- Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell: Hard-shell suitcases offer more protection for your belongings, but can show scratches easily, while soft-shell cases are more flexible and non-scratch, but offer less protection and always lose in design (in my opinion).
- Scratch-Resistant or Scratch-Reducing Design: Look for materials such as polycarbonate that offer resistance to scratches and scuffs. Additionally, consider designs that minimize the visibility of potential scratches, helping to maintain the suitcase’s appearance over time.
3. Wheels and Maneuverability
- Spinner Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels offer smooth and easy maneuverability in busy airports or narrow streets of Europe.
- Durability of Wheels: Choose reputable brands for your luggage, as the durability of wheels is crucial when navigating Europe’s cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Sturdy wheels can greatly enhance your travel experience by ensuring your luggage withstands the potential challenges.
4. Aesthetic and Style
- Design: If you care about appearance the way I do, consider choosing suitcases with unique designs that can conceal scratches and wear over time. Darker colors or textured finishes tend to be less prone to showing damage. However, I also believe every traveler deserves to indulge in a colorful or stylish suitcase that puts you in vacation mode from the very first glance (at least once). A unique piece can not only reflect your personality but also make spotting your luggage easier at the airport.
5. Compartments and Packing Space
- Expandable Storage: Expandable suitcases are the best option for added space when needed.
- Internal Compartments: Choose a suitcase with dividers, pockets, and compression straps for easy organization.
6. Warranty and Brand Reputation
- Reliable Brands: Choose a brand known for great reviews and customer service.
- Warranty: Warranty conditions are important to consider before making a purchase, as they cover manufacturing defects and may address any potential problems you might encounter with a product. Unexpected issues can arise while on the road, so understanding the warranty can provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Review of My Suitcases for European Travel
Here are the suitcases I’ve been using for traveling in Europe myself:
1. Travelpro Platinum Elite Hard-side Expandable Checked Luggage (Medium)
My Experience: As a frequent traveler, I’ve tested my fair share of luggage, but the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hard-side Expandable Checked Luggage (Medium) has quickly become my favorite. Travelpro is known for producing durable, high-quality luggage, and this particular model is exactly what I’ve always been looking for.
What I Love:
- Durable Construction: The Platinum Elite Hard-side Luggage is crafted from high-density polycarbonate, which gives it an ultra-strong yet lightweight structure. It withstands the bumps and knocks of travel without being too heavy – an amazing achievement by Travelpro. Also, I have noticed so far that the polished finish has held up well, keeping my suitcase looking great after multiple trips.
- Expandable Design: One of the standout features of this suitcase is the expandable zipper system, which allows me to increase the packing capacity by up to 2 inches / 5 cm. This is such a great feature for bringing gifts and souvenirs. It gives the Travelpro suitcase incredible versatility.
- Smooth Glide & Maneuverability: The dual spinner wheels are another highlight of this Travelpro suitcase for me. These 360-degree rotating wheels have proven to be an amazing tool for effortless maneuvering through crowded airports, busy train stations, and tight hotel lobbies. It glides smoothly in every direction, which is something you truly appreciate once you’ve used a suitcase that doesn’t offer such a smooth ride.
- Interior Organization: Inside, the Platinum Elite offers a great organization system with its full-length interior lid pocket, adjustable tie-down straps, and divider panel. The perfect number of basic compartments helps keep everything in place and reduces the chance of items shifting during transit. I’d say it’s simple, yet very well-thought-out.
- High-Quality Zippers & Security Features: So far, both the zippers and the TSA-approved lock for added security have been functioning perfectly. I love that the zippers glide effortlessly, which is another small detail that actually ends up making a huge difference on the go.
- Stylish and Professional Appearance: I love Travelpro’s designs, Platinum Elites series strike the perfect balance between style and functionality on the road. It in elegant colors, both simple and sophisticated, which also works great for business trips when you want to look professional even on the go.
Currently, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hard-side Expandable Checked Luggage (Medium) is my favorite suitcase for European travel. This particular model combines many features I used to like in other brands but could never find in one single product. This suitcase has everything one might need for stress-free travel, from ample storage space and smooth maneuverability to a durable and sleek design.
2. RONCATO Large Luggage Roller Case
My Experience: This Italian-made suitcase from Roncato is one of my go-to options for longer trips across Europe or cruises. I should admit that I initially bought Roncato because of its beautiful design and vibrant color, qualities for which Italian brands are renowned. After using it for 8 years, it suffered slight damage on one side during a trip to Ukraine, which I only noticed upon returning home. While the luggage served me well through years of travel, it may not be the most durable option in the long run. Aside from that incident, I enjoyed its spacious interior and multi-directional wheels, which made navigating airports easier. However, I would think twice about using it for a hectic itinerary. With its hard shell and large size, the suitcase can become quite heavy, making it challenging to maneuver on cobblestone streets or through crowded train stations of Europe.
What I Love:
- Design: The beautiful color and design makes it a joy to travel with.
- Large capacity: Perfect for long trips where you need to pack a lot but don’t want multiple bags.
- Smooth wheels: It easily glides over surfaces, dispite the potential weight.
Potential Downsides:
- It can be bulky when fully packed, so it might not be the best choice for shorter or more spontaneous trips.
Similar alternatives to Roncato Large Luggage for European travel: Traveler’s Choice Maxporter, Traveler’s Choice Archer Polycarbonate Hardside Spinner, Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, and DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage.
- 2-Piece Set Includes: 20 inch carry on and 28 inch checked luggage
- made of 3-Layer polycarbonate hardshell, high-strength and sturdy to provide elasticity and resiliency
- TSA zipper lock for security during international travel; Meets most domestic and international airlines regulations, and equipped with smooth zippers for easy access to your items
- equipped with 8 silent universal spinner wheels and aluminum telescoping ergonomic handle with 4 levels for effortless control and maneuverability
- designed with 2 roomy fully lined compartments, zipper mesh pocket can make items neatly organized
- Lightweight, resilient case for quick trips and long weekends
- This premium wheeled packing case features a zip entry to the main compartment, zipper expansion, luggage tag, and compression straps for easy packing and travel
- This hard suitcase features 4 spinner wheels, a 3-stage telescoping handle, and a Low Profile Integrated Lock lock for secure, easy movement
- With a classic TUMI monogramming option, integrated TUMI Tracer, and hanger bracket, this packing case makes travel easier than ever
- A TUMI product from one of our travel, business, or bags collections will be covered for five years
- Crafted with a resilient polycarbonate hard shell and fortified with protective corner guards, ensuring impact resistance and resilience.
- Wide and comfortable grab handles are located on the top, bottom, and side for easy mobility. Free up your hands, by stowing your small bags on top of the Maxporter.
- Effortlessly navigate your luggage with the comfortable and ergonomic grip handle, coupled with a push-button lock system designed for a secure and comfortable hold.
- Upgraded Cyclone Spherical Dual Wheel Spinner System
- iTravel 2-Port Charging System (USB 2.0 + Type C)
3. American Tourister Softside Expandable Luggage
My Experience: For shorter trips or weekend getaways, I’ve found the American Tourister Softside Expandable Luggage to be a reliable and affordable option. This suitcase strikes a great balance between being lightweight and durable, making it ideal for a variety of travel scenarios. I primarily use it for weekend getaways in Spain, especially when I rely on public transportation. It’s light, easy to maneuver, and offers more space than a typical carry-on. Plus, since it’s both affordable and soft-sided, I don’t worry about it getting scratched or damaged. However, to be completely honest, I enjoy traveling a bit more with my sparkling Travelpro (its sleek design and aesthetics make it a joy to use, adding a touch of style that this particular American Tourister suitcase lacks).
What I Love:
- Lightweight: Ideal for short trips and easy to carry up flights of stairs in older European hotels.
- Affordable: A great value option without sacrificing quality.
- Expandable: Offers extra space when needed.
Potential Downsides:
- Not as sturdy as hard-side cases, so it’s not my top choice for checking in on flights, but it’s better suited for city breaks.
- 4 KIX 2.0 Medium Spinner is perfect for a 3-5 day trip, our medium size case is just what you need so you don't over pack!
- Sturdy handling with our ergonomic carbon fiber texture trolley grip that adjusts to you size
- Roll confidently with our wear and tear tested ball wheel. It delivers maximum stability and comfort.
- Smooth operator for hands of all kinds, our large zipper pulls are effortless to use
- Rugged polyester with carbon fiber trim accents and gunmetal hardware creates a subtle and sophisticated finished look
- Hard shell luggage complies with published check-in size restrictions for nearly all major domestic airlines
- PrecisionGlide System delivers precise control and effortless roll
- Ultra-strong 100% polycarbonate hard shell with aluminum corner, textured finish which helps reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratching
- Expansion capability gives you more packing space when needed
- Interior water-resistant pocket provides packing versatility for damp items or toiletries
- Backed by Limited Lifetime Coverage
- Roll confidently with our wear and tear tested dual spinner wheel. It delivers maximum stability and comfort.
- RightHeight handle system with multi-stop adjustments allow you to extend the handle to a height that's customized to you
- Smooth operator for hands of all kinds, our large zipper pulls are effortless to use
- Beautifully designed ABS shell with tonal gradient film adds sophistication to the shell
- Large split case packing, cross straps, wet pack pocket, shoe pockets.
- Removable laundry bag
4. American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On Hardside Luggage
My Experience: This hard-side suitcase from American Tourister offers excellent protection for your belongings and comes at a very affordable price point. I’ve used it on multiple trips where I needed extra protection for fragile items, and it has proven to be both durable and easy to maneuver.
What I Love:
- Hard shell protection: Ensures peace of mind when packing fragile items.
- Great size: It was accepted as a carry-on on multiple frights Europe
- Affordable: Budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
Potential Downsides:
- The design doesn’t effectively conceal scratches, so this suitcase started to lose its appearance after a few years.
In addition, you might have noticed the large blue suitcase from Greenwich that I bought in Spain (it is not available internationally). It’s an extra suitcase that I rarely use because hard-sided luggage simply works better for flights, shopping for souvenirs, liquid beauty essentials, etc. However, I take it on family hiking trips, where I prioritize packing a lot while keeping the suitcase as lightweight and flexible as possible, regardless of its appearance.
Popular Brands on the Market for Traveling in Europe
While the suitcases I use have served me well over the years, there are a few other top-rated brands worth mentioning. These are popular for their durability and traveler-friendly features, so I have been eying them to test.
SHOWKOO Luggage Set
SHOWKOO is a relatively newer brand but quickly gaining popularity among travelers for its affordability and practicality. Known for their durable, expandable luggage sets, SHOWKOO offers excellent value for money. Their multi-size sets often include both carry-on and checked options, making them versatile for all types of travel.
Why It’s Popular:
- Value for money: Affordable pricing without sacrificing quality.
- Multi-size sets: Perfect for both short and long trips.
Delsey Luggage Set
If you’re looking for a stylish, high-end option, Delsey Paris is a well-known brand offering premium suitcases with sophisticated designs popular for European travel. Their products feature durable hardside shell with a chic, French-inspired design.
Why It’s Popular:
- Elegant design: Stylish and functional.
- Durable: Made from quality materials that protect your belongings.
Samsonite Luggage Set
Samsonite is another trusted suitcase brand, and their luggage sets are top choice for many travelers to move around Europe. Known for its durability and lightweight design, Samsonite consistently delivers reliable suitcases that last through countless trips.
Why It’s Popular:
- High Reviews: Samsonite has been one of the leaders in the luggage industry for years.
- Durable and lightweight: Ideal for frequent flyers and long-term travelers.
- A 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Its texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
- TSA locks act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
- Multi-directional spinner wheels for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
- Expansion to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
- Made of 100 percent polycarbonate. Modern design with deep metallic glossy finish
- Fully lined interior with two compartments for packing expands 2 inches
- Double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep zero weight on your arm. Integrated 3-dial TSA-accepted combination lock
- Packing compartment in the lid comes with zippered divider to provide extra space for organizing.
- Made of brand new extra-thick PC+ABS materials for hardshell, which make the luggage more durable, lighter and impact-resistant, features textured finish to prevent against scratches
- Soft TPU and lubricating balls inside wheels, luggage moves very silent and smoothly with 360° rotate double wheels
- Adjustable & sturdy ergonomic aluminum 3-step telescoping handle allows to maneuver in tight spaces and provide effortless movement
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Suitcase for European Travel
After years of exploring Spain and Europe, I’ve learned that investing in a reliable suitcase is essential. For me, a mix of hard and soft-side luggage offers the perfect balance for different types of trips. Whether you’re planning a long-term stay or a quick weekend getaway, having durable, easy-to-maneuver luggage makes your travel experience smoother. Travelpro is my current favorite for hardside expandable checked luggage in Europe, while American Tourister stands out for softside, budget-friendly options. Whenever I update my collection of suitcases with Samsonite or Delsey, I will update this review to include my personal opinions.
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Saily (use AtLifestyleCrossroads for for a 5% discount)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
- Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)
Definitely a suitcase with wheels is a must to cope with all the cobbled streets in Europe. There are some great choices on your list.
We keep buying new luggage and have yet to find the perfect one. Although we are building a list of things we want. We bought a rolling bag in Europe to make sure we got the smaller size for Europe since our regular ones were just too big. Wheel quality is important for us as we often roll our bags on the streets and sometimes cobblestones! Some good ones here to check out for our next purchase.
I do love a good suitcase with wheels – but I have to admit, for short trips in Europe, I prefer to pack super-light and just carry a bag. For longer trips some of these look perfect (but I’d still probably go with a small version…I hate lugging heavy bags…)
We recently bought an American tourister suitcase and used it on our trip to Japan. It was perfect.
Thank you for the honest and thorough review. I seem to go through a lot of suitcases because the wheels aren’t robust enough. I agree the 360 spinners are the best !
Great tips! Finding the right luggage is so difficult!